Unions concerned by assault rise in health settings

Reported cases of assault towards health staff in Guernsey has tripled over the last four years

The number of reported incidents of assault towards health staff in Guernsey has tripled over the last four years, according to government figures.

A Freedom of Information request to Health & Social Care (HSC) revealed 123 recorded assaults in 2023 in all health settings, compared to 41 reported cases in 2019.

Unions in Guernsey say they are "concerned" that members have been subjected to verbal and physical assault in the workplace and are in discussions with "senior management to understand the reasons for this."

HSC said in a statement: "We do not tolerate abuse towards our staff and will not hesitate to contact the police, if necessary.”

Stephen Langford has called for a "zero tolerance approach" to assault

The data included incidents in community health services, mental health services and at the Princess Elizabeth Hospital.

A statement issued on behalf of Prospect, Unite and the Royal College of Nursing unions, said there must be a "zero tolerance approach" to abuse.

It said: "No member of staff goes to work to be abused either physically or verbally.

"We would urge any members who have concerns to contact their union directly."

Stephen Langford, negotiations executive for Prospect union said he had "supported members who have been subjected to physical assaults" and was working with management to stop these incidents happening in the future.

Wearable body cameras are used throughout the NHS in the UK.

In the UK increasing numbers of health trusts are giving staff wearable body cameras in a bid to deter abuse.

That measure has been dismissed at this stage by Mr Langford who said: "It's difficult to have a one size fits all solution so we need to talk and find out what's planned for different service areas."